Sony Xperia Z2A: Clear App / Phone Cache and Restart in Safe Mode

Clearing an App's Cache / Data:



NOTE: Assuming that an application isn't working as intended, it freezes, crashes or otherwise doesn't run as it should, then you can try and solve these issues by clearing the application's cache and / or data.



WARNING! Clearing an application's data will result in the deletion of all the personal information that may be stored within the application. This includes login information, saved games, settings etc.



Before clearing an app's data, it's recommended that you try and fix these issues by clearing the app's cache first. Unlike clearing an app's data, clearing the cache won't affect any personal information stored within the app.

1. From the home screen, tap the "Apps" icon


2. Go to "Settings"


3. Tap "Apps" under "Device"


4. Swipe to the "All" screen


5. Browse through and select the desired application


6. Tap "Clear cache"


7. If the app still causes issues, tap "Clear data" too and confirm by pressing "OK"

Clearing the Phone's Cache Partition



NOTE: In case your smartphone is not working as intended, it crashes, freezes and you plan on applying a master reset, then you should first try and fix these problems by clearing the phone's cache partition. This is recommended because, unlike a factory reset, clearing the phone's cache will not result in the deletion of all personal data stored on the internal memory. You can clear the cache partition by following the steps below:

1. Press and hold the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons at the same time, while the Xperia Z2A is turned on


2. Keep holding these buttons until the screen powers off


3. After the smartphone vibrates once, release both hardware keys


4. Press the "Power" button and restart your smartphone

NOTE: if the problems have not disappeared after clearing the cache partition and you wish to apply a factory reset, then you can follow this link for a full guide on master resetting the Sony Xperia Z2A.



Safe Mode



NOTE: In case you have installed an application that cannot be closed and uninstalled while running, then you can get rid of this malicious app by first rebooting your smartphone in safe mode. In safe mode, all third party applications are disabled. To reboot in safe mode and uninstall an app:

1. Press and hold the "Power" key while your smartphone is turned on


2. From the pop-up, tap and hold the "Power off" option


3. When the "Safe Mode" prompt pops-up, tap "OK" and wait for your device to reboot


4. After the smartphone restarts, a "Safe Mode" message should be present in the lower-left side of the screen


5. From the home screen in safe mode, tap the "Apps" icon


6. Tap "Settings"


7. Tap "Apps" under "Device"


8. Swipe to the "Downloaded" screen and then select the app that you wish to remove


9. Tap "Uninstall" and tap "OK" to confirm


10. If you wish to exit safe mode, press and hold the "Power" key and then tap "Power off"


11. After the smartphone powers off, press the "Power" key to restart your smartphone as you normally would